What is the primary goal of the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)?

The primary goal of the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) is to prevent prescription drug abuse. PMPs are state-run programs that track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances within that state. They are designed to monitor patient medication usage and help identify potential cases of misuse or abuse. By collecting and analyzing data on prescriptions, PMPs assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions while also reducing the risk of patients obtaining medications for non-medical use or engaging in "doctor shopping" to acquire more prescriptions than medically necessary.

Preventing prescription drug abuse not only aims to protect individual patients from the dangers associated with misuse but also seeks to address the public health crisis stemming from the opioid epidemic and other substance abuse disorders. Proper use of PMPs can lead to better clinical outcomes and promote safe prescribing practices among healthcare providers.